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Writes on the death of Henry Sidgwick, and expresses his, Lady Acton's and others' sympathies on her 'dreadful loss'. Declares that he has lost 'the best of friends and colleagues...' Refers to the sympathy and admiration he felt for Henry in relation the manner in which he bore his illness. Reports that [Andrew?] Forsyth spent an hour discussing things with Sidgwick at Jebb's, 'and had no idea till long after that anything was wrong.' States that they were not aware of the gravity of the situation until three weeks earlier, when he met Nora with Arthur J. Balfour.

Nora remarks on how sad it is that her and Henry's quiet time [in Paris on their honeymoon] is coming to an end, and how quickly the time has passed, but how long it seems since their wedding day. They go to Rouen the following day and then by Amiens to Calais, from where they will cross the channel back to England. They must be at Carlton Gardens the following Tuesday as Henry must look over some examination papers. They go to Cambridge on the following Friday for one day and return to London until the Monday following when they settle at Cambridge.

If the following day is as delightful as that day they may stay on in Paris 'till the last minute', because it 'does look lovely in the sun, with the fresh green trees, and the chestnuts just coming into flower'. They have been two or three times 'to the play, and enjoyed the excellent acting very much': last night they heard Racine's Athalie, and found it dull, but there were 'two very good little comedies afterwards'.

Henry writes that he is sorry to hear that William has been so depressed; hopes that the change will do him good, and that he will come over to Cambridge as soon as possible. Undertakes to write to him in the next couple of days. In relation to his mother's 'Munificent offer', states that Nora says that they have no breakfast service, dinner service, glass or cruet stand; they would be very grateful if she were to give them any of these. They have looked at the china shops in Paris, but prefer London pottery. Is sure that the crest sent to Arthur Balfour [see 105/9] was satisfactory. Notes on Saturday, 22 April that the morning is 'perfectly Lovely, and it is Madness to leave Paris, but Nora has an extravagant passion for church architecture, and is carrying [him] off to Rouen.' They will cross the channel on the following Monday or Tuesday, and have arranged to be at 4 Carlton Gardens on Tuesday; will write again from there.

Expresses his eagerness to write in honour of Darwin [on the occasion of the publication of Francis Darwin's Life and Letters of Charles Darwin], but envisages some difficulties, viz., the papers, including the Times, being so full of Darwin 'from every point of view' that it will be difficult 'to make one's voice heard.' Presumes that [J. T. ?] Knowles and others have already arranged for reviews. Refers to Darwin's own autobiography, and suggests that any review should merely say 'read it'. Remarks that F[rancis] Darwin 'may be quite sure that the book has intrinsic interest enough to dispense with any [puffing] or interpreting.' Undertakes to read the book at once, and consider what he can do. Complains of '[t]hat accursed dictionary [of National Biography]', which he describes as a treadmill, but claims that he is getting into a sort of routine, which will give him time to do other things. Claims that he is always trying to get to Cambridge to see his boy [his step-son George Duckworth] there, but doesn't often succeed; hopes to be there one day during the term, and promises to make an effort to see Sidgwick. Expresses his [and Mrs Stephen's) gladness that [Arthur?] Balfour is convalescing.

Appeals to those proposing to vote the following day 'against all consideration of the question of relaxing the requirement of two classical languages as a condition of the Cambridge Degree in Arts'. Maintains that their arguments render their 'summary refusal of inquiry peculiarly unjustifiable.'

Says that a certain section of his opponents who campaign for a refusal of inquiry into the matter base their arguments on the belief 'that it is impossible to impart literary culture without two ancient languages...and that the amount of knowledge of Latin and Greek now imposed by the Previous Examination secures on the average an adequate amount of literary culture. States that 'if the opposition to the Graces had been based on grounds such as these', he would have thought it 'narrow-minded and ill-judged', but 'should not have complained of the stage at which it was offered.'

Strongly objects however to the argument that if the suggested change were to be adopted, it would result in the extinction or abandonment of Greek. As a counter-argument he points out that 'the experienced headmasters - mostly classical scholars - who are foremost in advocating the change, consider such predictions groundless.' Suggests that there is a strong case for further inquiry into the matter, and that the opinions of schoolmasters on the subject 'might be obtained and laid before the University.'

States that 'the list of residents who have declared themselves in favour of the appointment of a Syndicate includes 18 of the University professors', and that to these may be added the name of Lord Rayleigh, formerly Professor of Experimental Physics. Adds that he has been authorised to state 'that Mr. Arthur Balfour has telegraphed from Dublin to a friend in Cambridge expressing his regret that he cannot be present to vote, as he is strongly in favour of the Grace.'

States that by Herbert [her son]'s kind help she is in time to greet Nora the following day. Sends their love to her and best wishes that she may have comfort and the joy of knowing her work is of increasing value. Remarks that Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir seems to be occupying much attention. Has just come from a visit to the O[gles] in London; reports that everybody she met spoke of the great pleasure the book was giving them. Liked the review of it in the Times Literary Supplement, but did not like the one by H. Paul. Adds that those to whom she spoke in London said that the effect of the book was to make them feel as though they had been talking to Henry again.

States that the effect of melancholy to which the reviews allude could not be avoided 'because the letters naturally deal so much with his theological feelings and his deep thoughts on life.' Claims that he was 'so bright and happy in his intercourse with his friends', and how he showed his best side when he felt 'the answering sympathy'. Refers to his complaint of the want of humour in George Eliot, and declares that she has just been reading some of her work, and 'had been feeling this so much - in spite of Mrs Poyser [in Adam Bede] and the 4 aunts'. Declares that they are glad to see that Arthur Balfour 'is so much better for his sea air' and hopes that Monday night won't try him too much. Reports that she had lunch with Nevil the previous day at Lincoln College, and that he could only spare her three hours. Refers also to Arthur. Has been reading [Memoirs of] Archbishop Temple , and remarks on how carelessly it has been edited [by E. G. Sandford]. Remarks that Henry's memoir is 'a charming size', and that one volume is much more likely to be read than two.

The editor of Mind [G. F. Stout] has asked him to write an obituary notice of Henry Sidgwick for the January 1901 number of the journal. If the article were to be essentially an estimate of Henry's philosophical work, he would prefer to leave it to someone else, and would prefer to write of him on a personal level: due to his [Stephen's] absence from Cambridge 'from a very early period', he knows very little at first hand of Henry's work as Professor [of Moral Science] or his work in relation to the promotion of women's education. Asks Nora if she would care to assist him by referring him to others who could be of use to him in this matter. Intends to be in Cambridge the following Tuesday. Has also written to Nora's brother [Arthur Balfour], and to Arthur Sidgwick.

c/o A. Waterfield, La Fortezza, Aulla, Lunigiana. - Thanks his father for his 'very kind letter' [12/93], and for the 'most generous arrangement on making good the income tax' on his allowance, which the previous arrangement was enough to cover; he and Bessie wish to thank his parents 'for this and other constant kindnesses of the same kind'. Wonders whether the Chancellor [Asquith] will 'introduce a graduated tax of some kind': the debate would 'give Charles an opportunity, as it is one of his subjects'. Thinks Theodore [Llewelyn Davies] 'was in favour of graduation in principle, though admitting the practical difficulties'; it is at times like this that he will be much missed. Robert used to get him to 'discuss politics at great length' about once a year, usually at their Cambridge Easter parties.

There has been 'thick snow' which has kept them in for several days, but it is beginning to disappear today and they are all going out: Robert by himself, the others [Bessie and the Waterfields] visiting the country villa of the Admiral who is 'the head of the arsenals at Spezzia [La Spezia]'. Last week they went to Lerici and saw Shelley's villa; the outside has recently been 'spoiled with hideous decorations' but the interior is 'very interesting and even beautiful'; some of the furniture is quite old and might well be from Shelley's time.

Today news has come in the Italian newspapers that Balfour has '"surprised the world by surrendering himself con armi e bagagli to his great amico nemico [friend enemy] Chamberlain'". It is a pretty end to the whole story'. Hopes a few of the 'late Balfourians will have the courage to stand out and... form the nucleus of a Conservative free-trade party'. Discusses the Pervergilium Veneris, a 'curious poem' for which he has 'always had a weakness'.

Believes that Jebb, Myers and Maitland 'are desirable names.' Refers to the 'originators of the scheme who objected to having more than a few [and] when [Stephens] suggested Maitland doubted.' Announces his intention of sending to him at once and asking him to send on to Myers. Believes them to have a good set of names, and announces that he shall propose Maitland when he meets his collaborators. States that he is amused by the caution of Balfour and Lord Rosebery, who, he says, have both learnt to be afraid of commiting themselves to his creed. Thanks Sidgwick for his note.

Expresses his appreciation for Balfour's personal acknowledgment of the receipt of Marshall's Instinct and Reason. Regrets that he found no opportunity in its pages to express the obligation he felt he owed to him for the help obtained from Balfour's writings. Explains that he is an architect 'in very active practice', and claims that he has been influenced by Balfour's example to continue his work in psychology, even though it has involved 'much arduous labour and not a few sacrifices.' Hopes that Balfour will find the opportunity to read his book, and make criticisms on it. States that all Americans 'are just now rejoicing with all England that Kipling's life has been saved.' Declares that the latter introduced him some years previously to Balfour's brother Eustace. Adds that one of his pleasantest memories is connected with Balfour's sister, Nora Sidgwick, 'who entertained [him] most graciously when [he] was last in England.' Asks to be remembers to her and to Henry Sidgwick.

Explains the delay in replying to Patterson's letter as being due to 'a difficulty about finding appropriate topics of Consolation - suitable to the unfortunate situation, private and public, which [his] letter depicts.' States that the prevailing idea [in England] is that there is to be no war; and 'that Russia is to have her way in Bulgaria...' Believes that Patterson's colleagues 'will be spared the necessity of going into military quarters', and reports that now 'there appear to be the first mutterings of another scare about Affghanistan [sic].' In relation to Patterson's private troubles, i.e., the small size of his class, states that at Oxford and Cambridge they 'are beginning to consider that it is rather in a Professor's favour if he only gets a small class: it is a sign that his loyalty to his subject is too strong to allow him to degrade it by popularizing it.' In relation to his other problem, i.e., the length of time his lectures take and the fact that he has been called upon to lecture on English literature, to which task he feels himself inadequate, Sidgwick charges Patterson with being 'the laziest of men', but someone who, when he makes up his mind to do some work, 'is very exacting in its thoroughness'. Asks if he would like 'an opportunity of getting out of [his] position'. Reports that in England they 'are keeping her Majesty's jubilee in a rather unjubilant frame of mind.' Refers to the state of things in Ireland in negative terms, and to Gladstone, who is 'agitating for Parnell with the reckless impetuosity of his [in every sense] green old age'. Admits to being doubtful about his brother-in-law's [A.J. Balfour] prospects in relation to coercion, the failure of which will cause his career to be a failure. Predicts that if it succeeds 'the "left wing" of the patriots are likely to dynamite him.' Asks Patterson to send some more news of himself. Tells him that Mrs Sidgwick send her kind remembrances. With envelope. (2 docs)

Expresses his 'hearty admiration' for the fly sheet that Sidgwick sent around on the Selwyn question. Claims that he feels as if he had been searching for years for a genuine Liberal, and that now he has finally found one. Asks if Sidgwick has any spare copies of the pamphlet. Sends his regards to Mrs Sidgwick, and declares that he believes that she and he 'acted in some kind of unison in regard to Arthur B[alfour]'s "infamy"'.

Thanks her for the copy of Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir; explains that he wanted to read it before acknowledging its receipt. Says that he went to Lowestoft to work, and to read the book 'by the way', but that it has engrossed him all week, and has interested him intensely. Says that it gives 'everything that personal friends most wanted', but regrets to say he does not think it is at all 'the work the world wanted or expected.' Suggests that '[t]he general need would have been better met...by a topical arrangement' rather than the exclusively chronological one that she has adopted, and also that the letters 'might have been curtailed sufficiently to make room for some continuous presentation of Sidgwick as a philosopher, a political thinker, an educationalist, and a "man of letters" '. Remarks that it is odd to find in the life of a philosopher 'no account of his philosophy'.

Fears that the impression that is likely to be made is that Henry cared more for psychical research - a topic that is 'ever recurring' and which takes up a large part of the index entries. Believes that this latter interest was 'the real labor injustus of his life', and laments that it was Benson and Westcott 'of all men' who should have started him 'on this surely hopeless quest'. Refers to his '[ ] hasty acceptance of telepathy', and 'his later tacit retraction'. States that 'no one can fail to admire his moral courage in this whole Memoir however much one regrets the terrible waste of powers that would [ ] have been better employed.' Believes that had he lived longer he would have done very much more. Suggests that it might have been worthwhile to add the name of the Vice Chancellor who appointed Dr Cunningham as deputy for Professor Birks [in 1881], if, as he believes, it was Dr Perowne. Also suggests that Frank Balfour 'might have been mentioned on page 224 as a member of the Eundum. Refers also to Coutts [Trotter?], and to [Gerry] D[arwin]. Expresses his surprise at finding no letters to Professor [ ] Robertson in the Memoir.

Wonders why he should mention all these things when what wholly possesses him 'is renewed admiration and affection for about the most perfect man [he has] ever known'. States that he should place Henry and Arthur Balfour in this category. Relates that when he [Ward] 'was tired of waiting for a post in Cambridge [Henry] offered him £150 a year to stay'. Claims that he did not accept it, but soon afterwards Henry resigned his professorship and Ward was then assigned a place on the College staff.

Ought long ago to have thanked Nora for sending him back his letters to Henry Sidgwick, but wanted to wait until he had finished Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir. Finds it 'extraordinarily interesting', and has much to say about it, but will not inflict a long letter on her. Is in the process of writing an article on the book for the next Dublin Review, and states that the theme will be Henry's intellectual character, and the effect of intellectual stimulation that he produced in those with whom he had conversations. Adds that he contrasts him with Jowett, who, although Ward was very fond of him, 'was most unstimulating'. Undertakes to send Nora a copy of his article in proof when it is ready. Hopes that her brother [Arthur Balfour] is quite well again 'after his rest cure.'

(Typed.)

Declares that she is glad to hear that he is taking it easy 'in those few lovely days' which they had the previous week. Hopes that he [and Nora] can find something that she may give them as a wedding present, and asks if they want a dinner service or a D[ ] service, or if they would prefer something in silver. Asks if he received the watch and chain. Assures him that she 'heard not a word about any single person being "bored" on the 4th' [the Sidgwicks' wedding day], and that everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Reports that F. W. H. Myers wrote to her saying that he enjoyed the wedding very much, and also sent her his verses. Adds that the party with her, including Uncle William and Aunt Steph[anie? ] 'seemed very happy'. Declares Nora's dress and veil to be 'befitting an angel.' Promises to do her best to obtain a cook, and undertakes to make an impression of the Great Seal and to send it that night to [A. J.] Balfour. Asks whether his wife is to be known as 'Eleanor' or 'Nora'. States that she received a card from Minnie that morning, and that the latter is anxious to hear from Henry. Adds that she also saw A. Clark, who thinks she is better, and spoke highly of Henry.

Refers to Dr Andrew Clark, and his failure to adequately treat Mary's complaint; hopes soon to have a better account of the matter. Cannot persuade Nora to give an exact date for their wedding: her eldest brother [Arthur Balfour], who will have to entertain their friends, is expected home in a few days, and she wishes to wait for him to come home before making a final decision. The wedding will definitely be in the week before Passion Week, and most probably on the Tuesday of that week; hopes that this will suit his mother. Suggests that it would probably most comfortable for her to accept 'Lucy's invitation' [to stay with her]. Encloses a list of the presents that they have already received [not included]. Claims that he cannot think 'of anything that remains ungiven except breakfast, dinner and dessert services, spoons, knives and forks etc.', but presumes that she will think of other things.

The present [of Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir] from Nora and Arthur Sidgwick arrived at his home the previous day, and detained him 'till a late hour'; says that they have 'executed a difficult task with judgment, and presented an excellent picture, of what the life really was....' Believes that Henry 'was one of the very best gifted minds of [their] time', and that his soul, also, was one of the highest. Does not think that anything he [Young] ever sent Henry can be worth returning to him, but it may give him a pleasure to see his notes again. Refers to one [letter] that he sent to Henry about 'the meeting at Cambridge on University Tests', and one note he sent him 'after the last sad communication'. Expresses his happiness that Arthur Balfour 'is returned by an increased majority'. States that he 'did not think it nice to oppose him', and hopes that his illness is 'only a transitory effect' of their work.

Asks Sidgwick why he did not come to Brighton 'instead of fleeing to Broadstairs'. Expresses his eagerness to receive Balfour's writings. Mentions that he is going to print a paper of the latter's on the new conditions of the Indian Civil service, in his next numbers [of the Fortnightly Review]. Complains that being a writer for the Encyclopaedia Britannica is a thankless job: 'One must try to be thorough and yet there is no room.' Predicts that Sidgwick 'will be amused by a short note of Pattison's...against Bridges' in his next number [Fortnightly Review, Aug 1877, 22(128), pp. 285-286].

Florence. - She and her husband have often thought and talked about Trevelyan since he left them, wondering what the future will hold; they 'must leave that to dear Bessie'. Things will be hard for them both now: Bessie will be in 'isolation' at home, as she will not be able to discuss this matter with Bramine's parents or sister unless she is 'absolutely clear in her own mind - it would be mental torture'. The 'terrible business of the [Second Boer] war' will also make an impression on her, feeling as she already does so strongly 'the wrench which marriage with a foreigner would be'. The worst thing about the war is 'the hypocracy [sic] with which all the English statesmen seem to be saturated', preparing for six months while giving the Boers the 'illusion' that an agreement could be made; and then there are speeches like that of Balfour and 'other so called honourable and religious gentleman'. Meanwhile, Harcourt 'protests, but will vote for the money [further military funding]! Is there then no generous mind left?' Are the English so much come down since Lord Chatham?'. In Chatham's day, however, the war was 'against men of the same race' rather than 'those stupid Boers, who live according to their antiquated notions derived from the old testament'; is 'bitter, very bitter, against the wicked Government', however much she likes Trevelyan, whom she calls 'my dear fellow'. As for Queen Victoria, 'one sees how, by being a sort of machine all one's life, one becomes one really at last'; wonders why she did not appeal to the nation; also criticises the other rules who sent ambassadors to the peace conference and 'do not move an inch to help against war', it is a sign of how low the 'moral standard' everywhere seems to be. In time the world will be 'one big Exchange' with no poetry, and nothing mattering but money and greed.

Returns to the letter after several days, now in Rome; meanwhile the British Parliament, apart for a few Irish representatives, have voted funds for the war; cannot understand the Whigs. She cannot sleep at night, and having 'loved the English so', nearly hates them now; cannot write to Bessie about Trevelyan, and in her place 'could never consent to give up my birthright of Dutchwoman, to become a subject of that wicked mecreant [sic] the prince of Wales', who 'sells his soul and that of his subjects for the gold of Africa' and will not even go out to fight himself. Has just received a letter from Bessie, which says Trevelyan is going to see her; prays that if he wins her love his influence may 'widen and deepen her love for all beings and things'. Feels 'very responsible in this matter', since it was she who brought them together, and Bessie is 'half sister, half child, exceedingly dear'. Would be 'dreadful if she became tainted by what seems... the national vice of the English = selfdeceiving egotism, overbearingness, hypocrisy' which they call 'commonsense'. Begs his pardon for speaking so openly, which she does as she knows he has 'width of mind enough to shake off all chauvinistic feeling'; perhaps he does not think the opposition should have refused the funds or resigned.

Wwould have written before, but was expecting to hear from her about her impression of Dr Andrew Clark and of the success of his treatment. Hopes that the last arrangements of Mr Rogers are answering. Has been at Rugby with Arthur and Charlotte, and Nora has been staying there too for a week; believes that Nora gets on well with Charlotte. His and Nora's plans are still quite uncertain: they do not know whether Arthur Balfour is coming home immediately or not, but believe that he is, and until he comes Nora does not like to settle absolutely the time of their wedding.

Asks whether she has heard from William: Charlotte says he has 'quite fixed to come back to Oxford at Easter'. It has been hinted to him that some of his friends are thinking of giving him a watch and chain; mentions this because she said she was saving up his birthday presents for one. Suggests that she should 'divert them to some other object', but offers to intimate to his friends 'that Destiny has already a Watch in store for [him].' Announces that the Bishop of Exeter [Frederick Temple] is coming to dine with him that evening; he is preaching at St Mary's, and 'all the old Rugbeians are coming in afterwards to see him'.

Asks Sidgwick to accept the enclosed invitation [not included] to deliver an address. Informs him that he had first asked Arthur Balfour to carry it out, but it was the latter's view that it should be given by 'a real economist'. Explains that he [Goschen] had undertaken to deliver the address the previous year.

His activities in London the previous day, including his attendance at a debate in the House of Lords prevented him from writing to her to say that he and Nora have fixed on 4 April for their wedding day. Asks her advice on whom he should invite: Arthur Balfour has practically left it up to Henry to decide. His own idea is to ask his uncles and aunts 'and the Edward Sidgwicks and perhaps Ellen Crofts... one or two of [his] most intimate friends and Miss Green'. Wonders whether the other first cousins may feel aggrieved at not being asked. Will write to his Aunt Henrietta himself, and asks his mother to clarify the address for him. A formal printed invitation can be sent to the others. Does not expect his relatives to come from Yorkshire. Hopes that [Dr] A[ndrew] C[lark]'s last treatment has had better success, 'and that the trouble about the teeth is over. Says he is 'still supremely happy - sometimes quite overwhelmingly so.' Does not wish to be 'singular', and states that he would like to think 'that [nearly] all mankind were as happy, at least once in their lives.'